JPH09303474A - Strut mount structure - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) 【Abstract】 PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve suspension lateral rigidity and camber rigidity. SOLUTION: The strut mount bracket 12 is abutted and fixed to the lower surface of the vehicle body side panel, and the strut mount bracket 12 is faced to the lower side and abutted to the strut mount bracket 12 via a thrust bearing 20 to form an axle. In a strut mount structure including a spring seat 6 in which a coil spring is interposed between the strut mount bracket 12, the thrust bearing 20 and the spring seat 6, the thrust bearing 20 is closely fitted to each other in the radial direction. It is characterized in that the abutting portions 27, 29, 31, 35 to be fitted are provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a strut mount structure for mounting a strut of an input separation type strut suspension.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 3 shows a conventional structure of an input separation type strut suspension as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-68212. A strut 1 is composed of a cylinder portion 2 having a lower end portion connected to the axle side, and a rod portion 3 provided coaxially with the cylinder portion 2. A spring bumper 7 is inserted from the cylinder portion 2 to the rod portion 3 of the strut 1 and the rod portion 3
An insulator 8 is attached to the upper part of the.

The insulator 8 comprises an elastic body 9, an insert core metal body 10a inserted into the elastic body 9, and a cover core metal body 10b covering the elastic body 9. The strut 1 and the insulator 8 are connected by inserting the rod portion 3 into the insert core metal body 10a of the insulator 8 and screwing the nut 14 into the male screw portion 3a on the upper portion of the rod portion 3.

On the other hand, the cover core metal body 1 of the insulator 8
The outer peripheral portion of 0b is supported by a cover body 11 sandwiched by a strut mount bracket 12 and a strut housing 15 which are members on the vehicle body side, and the strut mount bracket 12 is fastened together with the cover body 11 by a bolt nut 13.

Between the strut mount bracket 12 and the spring bumper 7, the inner peripheral portion of the upper spring seat seat 6 and the thrust bearing 16 are attached in a sandwiched state. For this attachment, the inner peripheral portion of the upper spring seat 6 is brought into contact with the retainer 17 above the spring bumper 7, and the thrust bearing 16 is sandwiched between the inner peripheral portion of the upper spring seat 6 and the strut mount bracket 12. The upper spring seat 6 is abutted against the strut mount bracket 12 via the thrust bearing 16.

A coil spring 4 is interposed between the upper spring seat 6 and a lower spring seat 5 attached to the cylinder portion 2 of the strut 1.

In such a structure, the input from the axle is separated into the strut 1 and the coil spring 4 and transmitted to the vehicle body side. That is, the input from the axle side is transmitted to the cylinder portion 2, and the cylinder portion 2 is separated into the rod portion 3 side and the coil spring 4 side. The input is transmitted to the insulator 8 on the rod portion 3 side, and is transmitted from the insulator 8 to the strut housing 15. On the coil spring 4 side, it is transmitted from the upper spring seat 6 to the thrust bearing 16, and from the bearing 16 to the strut mount bracket 12.
Is transmitted to the strut housing 15 via.

FIG. 4 shows a conventional structure of the mounting portion of the bearing 16, which is interposed between the upper spring seat 6 and the strut mount bracket 12. In the conventional mounting, a radial gap 18 is formed between the upper spring seat 6 and the thrust bearing 16, and a radial gap 19 is also formed between the thrust bearing 16 and the strut mount bracket. . These dimensions are such that the gap 18 is about 0.45 mm and the gap 19 is
Is about 0.3 mm, and the overall play is 0.75 mm.

[0009]

By the way, the reason why the above-described gaps 18 and 19 are conventionally allowed is as follows. That is, the upper spring seat 6 is
This is because the force is transmitted to the vehicle body side via the thrust bearing 16 and the strut mount bracket 12 in response to the expansion and contraction input from the coil spring 4, and the gaps 18 and 19 are not directly related to the transmission of the force.

However, it has been found that the presence of the gaps 18 and 19 affects the steering characteristics when a lateral force is applied from the wheel side during steering.

[0011] If the lateral force F from the wheel side during turning is input, in the above-described structure and the force F ₁ to the rod 3, is shared by a force F ₂ to the upper spring seat 6, transmitted to the vehicle body (See FIG. 3). Then, between the upper spring seat 6 and the thrust bearing 16, and between the thrust bearing 16 and the strut mount bracket 12,
There are gaps 18 and 19 between the upper spring seat 6 and the strut mount bracket 12 by the amount of the gaps 18 and 19. As a result, although the force F ₂ from the upper spring seat 6 is not transmitted to the vehicle body for a while, the apparent support rigidity is lowered correspondingly, and the responsiveness at the time of steering is affected.

That is, at the time of steering for turning or the like, the camber angle is automatically changed so that the tire on the outside of the turning is perpendicular to the ground in order to maintain the grip force of the tire. As described above, while the lateral force F ₂ is not transmitted to the vehicle body, the change in the camber angle is delayed, so that the so-called camber rigidity is lowered, and also the lateral rigidity of the suspension is lowered, which affects the responsiveness. .

An object of the present invention is to provide a strut mount structure in which the transmission of force is not reduced during steering and the lateral rigidity of the suspension and the camber rigidity are not reduced.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a strut mount bracket which is abutted and fixed to a lower surface of a vehicle body side panel, and a strut mount bracket which faces a lower side of the strut mount bracket. In a strut mount structure provided with a spring seat that is abutted via a thrust bearing and has a coil spring interposed between the thrust bearing and the axle side, the strut mount bracket, the thrust bearing and the spring seat are It is characterized in that an abutting portion which is closely fitted to each other in the radial direction is provided.

Therefore, the load due to the expansion and contraction of the coil spring is received by the spring seat, and is transmitted from the spring seat to the vehicle body side panel via the thrust bearing and the strut mount bracket. Further, when lateral force is input from the wheel side, the force is immediately transmitted from the spring seat to the strut mount bracket by the abutting portions via the thrust bearings, and can be input to the vehicle body side panel.

A second aspect of the present invention is the strut mount structure according to the first aspect, wherein the thrust bearing faces the upper surface of the upper seat fixed to face the lower surface of the strut mount bracket and the upper surface of the spring seat. And a lower seat that is fixed to the upper seat, the strut mount bracket is provided with a first abutting portion having an inner peripheral surface having a center of rotation of the thrust bearing as a center, and the upper seat is provided with the first seat. A second abutting portion having an outer peripheral surface that is closely fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the abutting portion, and a third protrusion having an inner peripheral surface centering on the rotation center of the thrust bearing in the lower seat. In addition to providing the abutment portion, the spring seat is provided with a fourth abutment portion having an outer peripheral surface closely fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the third abutting portion. To.

Therefore, in addition to the action of the invention of claim 1, force is transmitted from the outer peripheral surface of the fourth abutting portion of the spring seat to the inner peripheral surface of the third abutting portion of the lower seat of the thrust bearing, The force is transmitted from the outer peripheral surface of the second abutting portion of the upper seat to the inner peripheral surface of the first abutting portion of the strut mount bracket, and can be input from the strut mount bracket to the vehicle body side panel.

A third aspect of the present invention is the strut mount structure according to the first or second aspect, wherein the abutting portion is closely fitted by cutting.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect of the invention, the tight fitting of the abutting portion can be arbitrarily set by cutting.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is the strut mount structure according to the first or second aspect, wherein the abutting portion is tightly fitted by press fitting.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the abutting portion can be tightly fitted by press fitting.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the strut mount structure according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, in which a sealing material having lips is fitted and attached to the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the lower seat. The lip is brought into contact with the upper sheet.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the invention of any one of claims 2 to 4, the thrust bearing can be sealed by the sealing material.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the strut mount structure according to the fifth aspect, wherein the wall portion is sandwiched between the upper seat and the strut mount bracket and covers the outer peripheral portions of the upper seat and the lower seat on the outer peripheral side. Is provided, and the seal member is provided with a contact portion that elastically contacts the inner surface of the wall portion of the cover.

Therefore, in addition to the function of the fifth aspect of the invention, the outer peripheral side of the thrust bearing can be covered with the cover, and the hermeticity can be further enhanced.

[0026]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the lateral rigidity and the camber rigidity of the suspension can be improved, and for example, the camber angle can be accurately changed when the vehicle turns, and an appropriate steering response can be obtained. In addition, the rattling of the suspension can be significantly suppressed.

According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, the force can be accurately transmitted by the close fitting of the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the first to fourth abutting portions, and the suspension Lateral rigidity and camber rigidity can be increased.

According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1 or 2, it is possible to accurately set the lateral rigidity and the camber rigidity of the suspension.

According to the invention of claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the lateral rigidity and the camber rigidity of the suspension can be remarkably enhanced by simple attachment by press fitting.

According to the invention of claim 5, in addition to the effect of any of the inventions of claims 2 to 4, it is possible to enhance the sealing property of the thrust bearing, to make the suspension function properly, and to prolong the life thereof.

According to the invention of claim 6, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 5, it is possible to further improve the sealing performance of the thrust bearing and to achieve a more accurate operation and a longer life.

[0032]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a main part of one embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to the sectional view of FIG. The suspension according to the embodiment of the present invention is also an input separation type strut suspension, and the overall configuration is substantially the same as that of FIG. Therefore, the components corresponding to those in FIGS. 3 and 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals for the description, and redundant description will be omitted.

In FIG. 1, an upper spring seat 6, which is a spring seat, is butted against a strut mount bracket 12 via a thrust bearing 20. Although not shown, the strut mount bracket 12 is fixed by bolts and nuts to the strut housing side, which is the vehicle body side panel, as in the case of FIG. A coil spring is provided in the spring seat 6 between the lower seat and the lower spring seat. The thrust bearing 20 is a ball 23.
And a lower seat 21 and an upper seat 22 and a lower seat 21.

On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention, in particular, the strut mount bracket 12, the thrust bearing 20, the spring seat 6 and the thrust bearing 2 are used.
The abutting portions which are closely fitted to each other in the radial direction of 0 are provided.

That is, the through hole 2 through which the rod portion of the strut is passed through the strut mount bracket 12.
5 are provided. The edge of the through hole 25 is the first
The inner peripheral surface 26 is centered on the rotation center of the thrust bearing 20, that is, the axial center of the rod portion of the strut (not shown). Therefore, the first abutting portion 27 is configured to have the inner peripheral surface 26 centered on the rotation center of the thrust bearing 20.

The upper seat 22 is provided with a second abutting portion 29 having an outer peripheral surface 28 which closely fits the inner peripheral surface 26 of the first abutting portion 27. Second abutting part 29
Is formed by bending the inner peripheral side of the upper sheet 22 upward. A chamfer 29a is provided on the outer peripheral side upper portion of the second abutting portion 29, a gap 38 is formed between the strut mount bracket 12 and the upper seat 22, and the inner peripheral surface 26 and the outer peripheral surface 28 are fitted to each other. Makes it easy. A chamfer 29b is also provided on the outer peripheral side upper portion of the upper sheet 22.

A third abutting portion 31 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the lower seat 21. The third abutting portion 31 is formed by bending the inner peripheral side of the lower seat 21 upward.
The diameter is smaller than that of the second abutting portion 29 of the upper seat 22. The third abutting portion 31 is provided with an inner peripheral surface 32 centered on the rotation center of the thrust bearing 20.

The lower seat 21 has a third abutting portion 31.
A constricted portion 33 is provided to facilitate the bending of the. Further, chamfers 21a and 21b are provided on the outer peripheral side upper portion of the third abutting portion 31 and the outer peripheral side upper portion of the lower seat 21.

The spring seat 6 is provided with a fourth abutting portion 35. The fourth abutting portion 35 is formed by bending the inner peripheral side of the spring seat 6 upward. The fourth abutting portion 35 is provided with an outer peripheral surface 36 that is closely fitted to the inner peripheral surface 32 of the third abutting portion 31. Further, a gap 37 is formed between the inner peripheral sides of the spring seat 6 and the lower seat 21.
Are formed to ensure the fitting between the inner peripheral surface 32 and the outer peripheral surface 36.

In the present embodiment, the inner peripheral surface 26,
The tight fitting of the outer peripheral surface 28, the inner peripheral surface 36, and the outer peripheral surface 32 is set by setting the first abutting portion 27, the second abutting portion 29, the third abutting portion 31, and the fourth abutting portion. It is adjusted by cutting the part 35, and there is no gap between them, or even if there is any gap, it is 0.15 mm or less.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the lower sheet 21.
Sealing members 39 and 40 are provided on the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side. The sealing material 39 includes a base portion 39a and lip portions 39b, 3
9c, and the sealing material 40 includes a base 40a and a lip 4
0b and the contact portion 40c. Seal material 39
The base portion 39a is fitted on the outer peripheral side of the third abutting portion 31 of the lower sheet 21, and the lips 39b and 39c are in contact with the upper sheet 22. The sealing material 40 is a base 40a.
Fits on the outer peripheral side of the lower sheet 21, and the lip portion 40b is in contact with the upper sheet 22.

Further, the cover 41 is sandwiched between the upper seat 22 and the strut mount bracket 12,
The cover 41 has a wall portion 41a that covers the outer peripheral portions of the upper sheet 22 and the lower sheet 21 on the outer peripheral side.
The contact portion 40c of the sealing material 40 is elastically contacted with the inner surface of 1a. The lower end 41b of the cover 41 is directed inward and faces the outer surface of the sealing material 40.

In such a structure, when the vibration is absorbed from the vertical direction of the vehicle, the force is transmitted from the spring seat 6 to the strut mount bracket 12 via the thrust bearing 20 in a manner similar to that of FIG. Can be entered on the side panel.

On the other hand, when the lateral force from the tire is input, the lateral force F _{2 applied} to the spring seat 6 is from the outer peripheral surface 36 of the fourth abutting portion 35 to the inner peripheral surface 32 of the third abutting portion 31.
Is immediately transmitted to the lower seat 21, the ball 23, and the upper seat 22 as indicated by a broken line to the inner peripheral surface 2 of the first abutting portion 27 from the outer peripheral surface 28 of the second abutting portion 29.
6 is transmitted to the vehicle body side panel from the strut mount bracket 12. Therefore, there is no play between the spring seat 6 and the strut mount bracket 12 in the lateral force F ₂ direction, and the apparent support rigidity is improved. As a result, the lateral rigidity and the camber rigidity of the suspension can be improved, the responsiveness of the suspension at the time of turning can be improved, and the rattling feeling can be eliminated.

FIG. 2 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the lateral rigidity of the suspension and the camber rigidity with respect to the lateral force input by steering. A1 to A4 show the structure having a gap as shown in FIG. 4, and B1 to B4 show the embodiment of the present invention. As is clear from FIG. 2, the lateral rigidity and the camber rigidity of the suspension are clearly improved as compared with the case of FIG. 4, and the responsiveness at the time of turning can be remarkably improved.

The thrust bearing 20 can be sealed by the sealing members 39 and 40, and the ball 23
It is possible to prevent dust and water from entering the side. Therefore, the thrust bearing 25 can function reliably, and the life can be maintained for a long time. Further, by providing the cover 41, it is possible to more reliably prevent dust and water from entering from the outside, and it is possible to more reliably maintain the function and extend the life.

Further, the close fitting of the first and second abutting portions 27 and 29 and the third and fourth abutting portions 31 and 35 can also be performed by press fitting. In this case, each surface 26, 28, 3
The processing of 2,36 can be made relatively rough,
Processing can be facilitated.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an essential part of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship between suspension lateral rigidity and camber rigidity.

FIG. 3 is an overall sectional view showing an example of a strut mount structure according to a conventional example.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 6 Upper Spring Seat (Spring Seat) 12 Strut Mount Bracket 20 Thrust Bearing 21 Lower Seat 21a, 39c, 40b Lip 22 Upper Seat 26 Inner Surface 27 First Abutment 28 Outer Surface 29 Second Abutment 31 3rd Abutting portion 32 inner peripheral surface 35 fourth abutting portion 36 outer peripheral surface 39, 40 sealing material 40c contact portion 41 cover 41a wall portion

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A strut mount bracket that is abutted and fixed to a lower surface of a vehicle body side panel, and a strut mount bracket that is opposed to a lower side of the strut mount bracket and is abutted to the strut mount bracket through a thrust bearing, and an axle. A strut mount structure having a spring seat with a coil spring interposed between the strut mount bracket, the thrust bearing, and the spring seat, the protrusions closely fitting to each other in the radial direction of the thrust bearing. Strut mount structure characterized by having this part. 2. The strut mount structure according to claim 1, wherein the thrust bearing is fixed so as to face an upper surface of the strut mount bracket and a top surface of the spring seat. A lower seat, the strut mount bracket is provided with a first abutting portion having an inner peripheral surface centering on a rotation center of the thrust bearing, and the upper seat is provided with a first abutting portion of the first abutting portion. Second having an outer peripheral surface that closely fits the inner peripheral surface
And a third abutting portion having an inner peripheral surface centering on the rotation center of the thrust bearing is provided on the lower seat, and the spring seat is provided with a third abutting portion. A strut mount structure comprising a fourth abutting portion having an outer peripheral surface closely fitted to the peripheral surface. 3. The strut mount structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the abutting portion is closely fitted by cutting. 4. The strut mount structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the abutting portions are tightly fitted by press fitting. 5. The strut mount structure according to claim 2, wherein a sealing material having a lip is fitted and attached to an inner peripheral side and an outer peripheral side of the lower seat, and the lip is attached to the lower seat. Strut mount structure characterized by being in contact with the upper seat. 6. The strut mount structure according to claim 5, wherein a cover that is sandwiched between the upper seat and the strut mount bracket and that has a wall portion on the outer peripheral side that covers outer peripheral portions of the upper seat and the lower seat is provided. A strut mount structure, wherein the seal member is provided with a contact portion that elastically contacts the inner surface of the wall portion of the cover.